Class 9 - diversity, power, politics Flashcards
(37 cards)
Describe power, according to Kanter
- that which enables you to create, get and/or use resources to achieve one’s goals
- the ability to facilitate change and achieve intended effects
- has the potential to change the attitudes and behaviours of individuals and groups
- can restrict another’s freedom of action
Why do nurses need power
- essential to being an effective leader in clinical, managerial, and leadership roles
- basic element in human relations and organizational behaviour
- influence change over practice, shape health care policy, and improve care
What are the different levels of power (most common to least)
- interpersonal: social power (French & Raven)
- organizational: power in organization (Kanter)
- external: national/governmental policies, political action to influence policies
What are the five (6) forms of power in interpersonal power (French & Raven)
- reward
- coercive
- expert
- legitimate
- referent
+ informational
Describe reward power
- ability to grant favours or reward others with whatever they value (money, free time, praise, etc)
- includes personal recognition & acknowledgement
- Employees will work harder to receive rewards
Describe coercive power
- Not something you would want to over use
- Power to punish or potentially punish; if people know you can punish them, then you still have coercive power
- fear of threat or punishment if the manager’s expectations are not met
Describe expert power
- gained through knowledge, expertise, & experience
- People look to you to bring in that expertise to influence a decision
Describe legitimate power
- power gained through a tile or official position; Where you are hired, elected, or appointed to a particular position that comes with responsibilities
- explain why you are asking for something to be done
example of legitimate power
supervisor, responsibility; making a schedule
Describe referent power
- based on admiration and respect for an individual; Power of like-ability
- identification with a leader or what the leader symbolizes
- Influence over people because you have charisma, good relationships, people look up to you, etc.
Example of coercive power
teacher, who will have the power to change a grade
example of referent power
Oprah Winfrey, not our bosses, but has a lot of influence over people
Describe informational power
- based on access to valuable data
- Not connected you personally
- followers comply because they want info for their own needs
OR - info is powerful because it can influence decisions
- controversial - if you part of a team/organization, that info doesn’t belong to you; info should be shared widely to benefit everyone
Describe connection power
based on individual’s formal and informal links to influential persons w/in or outside organization
What is a power-authority gap
leader has job title but no referent power because employees dont respect the boss
How to reduce the power-authority gap
Managers reduce gap when followers:
- perceive manager is doing a good job
- believe organizations has their best interest in mind
- do not feel controlled by authority
Why does the power-authority gap increase
when the manager loses creditability w/ employees
Describe the organizational power (Kanter’s Theory)
- the leaders power will grow by sharing power
- sharing power-ability to get things done and meet organizational goals
- work behaviour and attitude is shaped in response to problems and situations in work environment
Define empowerment, according to Ozimek
process by which we facilitate the participation of others in decision making and take action within an environment where there is an equitable distribution of power
How to empower followers, according to Kanter
increase staff nurses’ empowerment by giving access to increase:
- info
- support
- resources
- opportunity
Examples of other empowerment theories
- psycho-social empowerment
- critical social theory
what is psychological empowerment
motivational approach consisting of:
- meaning
- impact
- self-determination
- competence
What is critical social theory
- how society controls access to power
- how power influences behaviour toward others
Within critical social theory, how can nursing increase its power in an organization?
become aware of:
- power aspects/plays of the organization
- how nurses’ practice impacts care
- gain control over work life
